Community Stories

47 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

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I have been volunteering at MOM for the past several months, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. The staff and other volunteers at MOM are caring and compassion people eager to help MOM’s clients as well as each other. I have been very impressed with how much MOM does for its clients and the understanding and respect they show to all of them. MOM’s dedication to improving the lives of its community members in need is the reason I chose to volunteer at MOM and will continue to do so.

I became involved with MOM approximately six years ago as a front desk volunteer. I'd heard very positive comments about this organization, and felt it would give me some perspective on challenges faced by those less fortunate. It was immediately apparent the people who direct MOM are totally committed to helping people in need.

Clients are treated with respect and kindness, no matter what the situation is. The actions of the MOM team help them keep their dignity. Every effort is made to support the clients whether it be food, clothing, housing, providing rides for seniors or other basic needs. The Case Managers are familiar with community services and help clients find affordable housing or work with utility companies when they fall behind in their payments.

It still amazes me how much is accomplished by a small MOM staff, its Board of Directors and hundreds of volunteers who want to provide help anywhere it's needed. I'm honored to be both a volunteer and donor to this amazing organization.

After volunteering for Middleton Outreach Ministries for just over one year now, I can say with great enthusiasm that it it one of the best non-profit organizations I have ever been involved with. The programs there are very well designed, well managed, and well implemented by an amazing group of very dedicated and very well trained staff and volunteers who are as professional as they are compassionate! The services provided by MOM are essential to everyone in the community!

I have been fortunate to be volunteering at Middleton Outreach for the past 12 years. I currently assist at the Distribution Center desk as well as in reception at the Main Office. I also participate in several MOM special events. Throughout this time I have seen the dedicated staff members work diligently to assist clients in times of stress. Providing for the basic necessities of life--food, clothing, shelter--is their primary concern. And, I know from the stories, the smiles, and the "thank yous" from clients that they are achieving these goals. Middleton Outreach Ministry continues to have a very positive impact on our community. It is definitely an organization that far exceeds expectations!

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I have been involved for almost 10 years as a donor and volunteer at MOM, and I have come to appreciate the outstanding work that this organization accomplishes in our community. The services to the clients has greatly improved as MOM moved to a new, larger facility. The clients appreciate the well-stocked Food Pantry and Clothing Closet which they may visit as often as needed. And, the services provided by the case managers and other MOM staff members is invaluable. As a volunteer, I see and hear the appreciative responses from the clients. I, too, feel very strongly connected to Middleton Outreach as it continues its vital presence in our area.

As a Board Member, I have been consistently impressed with the leadership and vision of the MOM team. They think creatively about how to best meet the needs of their clients with respect. MOM provides crucial help to families in our area - food, clothing, and other resources as needed.

I have volunteered at MOM for many years. I have served in various capacities: reception, food pantry, rides for seniors, the Board of Directors and the school backpack program. I am proud of MOM and it’s mission. Seeing it grow into a model service agency has been wonderful. It is heartwarming to see firsthand the difference MOM has made in others lives. I tout MOM, it’s staff, and it’s volunteers every chance I get.

I was a volunteer at MOM for 3 years when my kids were little. This organization helps their clients reach food and housing security, but also empowers its volunteers. Those volunteers are the heart and soul of MOM. They keep the physical plant well stocked and very clean. They also greet each client with courtesy and compassion, helping everyone to feel accepted at MOM.

I have been a volunteer at M.O.M. (Middleton Outreach Ministry) for 18 years, volunteering in the food pantry, mobile food pantry, Seniors Program, and board of directors. I have seen the organization grow into its mission of ending hunger and preventing homelessness in our area. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the community through M.O.M. I can't imagine what life would be like here without M.O.M.

It is heartwarming to see how many people are helped at Middleton Outreach Ministry. This organization is vital to the community. People can get the help they need, whether it be food or clothing, whenever they need it. I am humbled to have the opportunity to serve here.

Extremely well-run operation characterized by energy, compassion and an incredible focus on clients and the community. There is an extraordinary level of support from staff, volunteers and donors and a clear belief in the mission of preventing homelessness and ending hunger in the community.

I have seen the positive impact that MOM has had on children and families for the past 27 years as an administrator in the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District. MOM's services provide the basic needs that many families do not have on their own. It is an honor to support and serve MOM and its mission to prevent homelessness and end hunger. Please join in making a difference in our community.

Hard to aptly quantify the ways this group benefits so many, in so many ways, so efficiently. This is the model by which others like it should be measured- the staff, volunteers, community leaders and the community at large- most importantly the client recipients are consistently improving and benefitting from all MOM does. It’s an honor and blessing to have this organization be and operate where my family lives. The focus on the recipient of the services is omnipresent and fuels the goals for the future. Incredible organization!

I have had the privilege of working with the MOM team in strategy work and more recently as a member of the Finance Committee that supports MOM's ED and Board. The mission of MOM is complex and diverse and challenging in many ways. The MOM Team under the leadership of the former ED Al Ripp and the current ED Ellen Carlson has always impressed me with their deep commitment, caring focus, and unbelievable passion for the families of our community. The client needs are addressed at a human level, while the long term community and Organizational needs are well cared for at their larger levels. The MOM team is exceptionally adept at balancing these often opposing perspectives. Additionally, I love how deeply integrated MOM is in our community...local events, community, volunteerism, and public-private make MOM a resource of Middleton as a whole community, not just a service for those in need. MOM makes Middleton Better.

I first got connected to MOM several years ago when I was serving as the director of a women's group at a local church. I connected several families who were struggling to obtain food and pay rent connect with MOM. I saw firsthand the importance of the services MOM provided to members of the community. And I was impressed by how they carried out those services. They treated people with dignity. Their caseworkers were knowledgeable and worked tirelessly to help families make a better life. Now serving on the Board of Directors, I see up close how the organization is run. The staff approaches their work strategically and deliberately, keeping up to date on the latest research of how to be most effective in helping families in our community. They are committed to making a difference - and I continue to see them doing just that.

I have been continually impressed by MOM's willingness to allow their program funds to be used in creative and innovative fashion to meet their clients' needs. MOM assists over 200 families annually through various housing initiatives and reduces the incidents of homelessness in our community and they bring well over 100,000,000 pounds of food annually to over 1500 hungry families.

My relationship with MOM spans many years and includes programs through my church and work. Through church we collaborate with MOM for food drives and school supply drives. At work we've participated in the Canstruction program and Sharing Christmas where we adopt a family as a company. My company, Strang Architects, Engineers and Interior Designers is proud to be associated with such a great organization and we know all of our donations are put to good use serving the needy in our community.

I moved to Madison recently and was looking for a place to volunteer. 3 separate people recommended MOMS. I work in the food pantry and am blessed every week. The volunteers and the clients I encounter are outstanding. I get so much more than I give. The clients are so appreciative of what MOM offers in benefits and support and kindness.The organization is well run. Al Ripp was an amazing and selfless man whose work continues.I am proud to be a part of this nonprofit.Nancy Nader

Love the architectural creations using cans of food I saw at the mall on a number of occasions! The great minds associated with MOM, Inc., are only outdone by their tremendous heart. Awesome...way to make your corner of the world a better place. Kim.

As a board member, I have seen the difference that the staff and volunteers of Middleton Outreach Ministry make in serving the Madison and Middleton communities with an array of needed services for individuals and families through their deep passion and heart-felt desire to make a difference in peoples lives.

I am a volunteer and donor because MOM was founded by members of the community for members of the community. We've helped those in need for 35+ years. It's about being there when our neighbors are in need. I take pride in making a difference. #GoodNeighbor

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I love volunteering for MOM. They matched my skills and available hours with their needs, which makes it a perfect relationship. I've made so many new friends in MOM staff and fellow volunteers. I've learned so much... about those in need and what impacts them the most. I feel like I'm truly making a difference in my community.